Residents of Eastern Passage, N.S., are saying their goodbyes to the fuel tanks that have stood on the former Texaco refinery site for the past six decades, which are now being removed. “I’d say it’s about time they got them out of there. They’re not doing anything, they’re just taking up space,” says resident, Sandra Chatterton. The Department of National Defence (DND) acquired the land on 1350 and 1356 Main Road in March 2026, which was previously owned and operated by Valero Energy Corporation. A release from DND says the 475-acre property was bought to provide warehousing and refueling support to the Royal Canadian Navy fleet, including the newly purchased, German-made, TKMS submarines – an announcement Prime Minister Mark Carney made in early July. “I think it’s reasonable to expect that there will be very substantial activity here in Halifax for decades,” the Prime Minister said at CFB Halifax during his visit. “This process will have far away the greatest economic impact of any defence investment right across Canada.” The site also provides deep-water access, ideal for both ship and submarine docking “It’s definitely going to increase everything, but I mean at the same time, the military does need some of the things they are putting in,” resident Linda Matheson says. In addition to the four tanks, piping, support structures, and a closed asbestos disposal cell will be removed from the site. Dump trucks could also be seen coming and going from the area across the street from the tanks, also part of DND’s land purchase. “To remove them would be a good thing,” Matheson says. While City Hall is remaining quiet about the project, residents near the long-time landmark are excited for its future. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
